No Longer Deadly, Mazatlan Returns To Cruise Itineraries

 

 

Cruise lines have stayed away from Mazatlan, Mexico for several years, largely due to concerns the cruise experience might include a visit from a dangerous drug lord. With crime rates down in Mexico, west coast cruise ship itineraries are now returning to Mazatlan.



Cruise lines had steered away from the port because of safety issues. There was no way that they would endanger the lives of their passengers by dropping them off at an unsafe place. The move was primarily a precaution as drug lord activity was happening far to the north of Mazatlan.



"We understand that travel agents and providers have a duty to inform their customers, but we feel as if we have been unfairly singled out as an unsafe destination," said Julio Birrueta, spokesperson for the Mazatlan Tourism Trust, according to Caribbean News Digital.

Indeed, I walked the streets of Mazatlan at 3 a.m. with no problem on a recent trip. We explored the area during the Day of the Dead stroll and festivities in 2011, at the height of drug lord mania in the travel world. Held in Mazatlan's old historic district, the centuries-old tradition, also called All Souls Day, honors those who have died with a Mardi Gras-like walking procession through town.



"We didn't just sit around hoping they would return," said Frank Cordova, secretary of tourism for the state of Sinaloa. "We made a lot of changes to upgrade security and to improve the visitor experience."



Holland America Line's Veendam will return to Mazatlan on November 9. Norwegian Star starts arriving December 22 and Azamara Quest returns on December 29.

For More Information: http://www.travelagentcentral.com/newscred?guid=dee6fa8a091d97716712de42062e9bcb

Energy Saving Tips

Energy Saving Tips

Air conditioning and heating:

Use vegetation to your advantage, planting trees in strategic points helps deflect cold drafts in winter and create shade in the summer.

By installing awnings or overhangs inclined, aluminum shutters, tinted glass, coatings, mesh and plastic films prevents the sun from reaching directly into the house. So you can get savings in electrical energy consumption by the use of air conditioning.

Proper insulation of ceilings and walls helps maintain a comfortable temperature in the house.

If you use central air conditioning units, also isolated ducts.

It is relatively easy to seal windows and doors of the house with silicone paste, to keep out the cold in the winter months and keep it cool in the hot months.

When buying or replace the equipment, check that it is suitable for your needs.

Give periodic maintenance and clean the filters regularly. Watch the thermostat, it can mean an additional savings of electricity if left at 18 ° C (65 ° F) in winter and 25 ° C (78 ° F) in summer.

In dry weather use the cooler, is cheaper and consumes less power than air conditioning.

Vacuum:

The saturated filters and dust deposits and debris from the vacuum, make the engine work overload and reduce its life. Change them whenever is necessary.

Check that the hose and fittings are in good condition.

Audio and video:

Do not leave lighted lamps, radios, TVs or other appliances on when no one is using.

Toaster and Oven:

Always keep waste clean the microwave oven, electric oven and toaster, this way they will last longer and consume less energy.

Lighting:

Use CFLs in place of incandescent bulbs, they provide the same level of illumination, last ten times longer and use four times less energy.

Paint the inside of the house with light colors, the light reflects in them and require less energy to light.

Electrical installation:

Check that the electrical system is not leaking. To do this, disconnect all electrical appliances, including watches; turn off all the lights and check that the meter disk does not move, if the disk is spinning, check the installation commands.

Washer:

Wash in full load each time, this will decrease the number of sessions weekly wash.

Use only the necessary amount of detergent; excess amounts, produces more foam and makes the engine work more than it should.

Blender:

A blender that works easily lasts longer and spends less; check that the blades are always sharp and not broken.

Iron:

The iron is another device that uses a lot of energy. Use it in an orderly way and planned, this saves energy and reduces costs.

Iron as many clothes as possible each time, due to connecting it often causes more energy expenditure than to keep it on for a while.

Iron thick clothes first, or the one that needs more heat, and leave the thin, that requires less heat, to the end, disconnect the iron just before the end to take advantage of accumulated temperature.

Do not let the iron connected unnecessarily.

Check the surface of the plate so that it is always smooth and clean, so heat is transmitted uniformly.

Check that the cable and plug are in good condition.

Refrigerator:

The refrigerator is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in the home.

Place the refrigerator away from the stove and out of reach of the sun's rays. Check that the door seal perfectly and regularly reviews the package, if it does not close properly, it can generate a consumption three times higher than normal.

Let food cool before refrigerating. The correct position of the thermostat is between the numbers 2 and 3. In hot weather, thermostat should be between the numbers 3 and 4.

If you are planning to buy a new refrigerator, select the one which consumes less electricity. Check the energy efficiency label, which indicates that the device complies with the Official Mexican Standard and saves energy. Remember that automatic defrost consume 12% more electricity and that means more spending.

Defrost the refrigerator and clean with damp cloth grime that builds up in the back, at least every two months. Clean the condenser tubes located on the back or bottom of the device at least twice a year.


El Cids 40th Anniversary Golf Tournament November 7th – 10th, 2013

 

Don't miss this one!!

The El Cids 40th Anniversary Golf Tournament this year November 7th – 10th, 2013 will have more prizes than ever before!!! 

 

Mexico Independence Day Sept.16th, 2013

 

Mexico's Independence Day – September 16:

Mexico celebrates its independence every September 16 with parades, festivals, feasts, parties and more. Mexican flags are everywhere and the main plaza in Mexico City is packed. But what’s the history behind the date of September 16?

Prelude to Mexican Independence:

Long before 1810, Mexicans had begun to chafe under Spanish rule. Spain kept a stranglehold on her colonies, only permitting them limited trade opportunities and generally appointing Spaniards (as opposed to native-born Creoles) to important colonial posts. To the north, the United States had won its independence decades before, and many Mexicans felt they could, too. In 1808, Creole patriots saw their chance when Napoleon invaded Spain and imprisoned Ferdinand VII. This allowed Mexican and South American rebels to set up their own governments and yet claim loyalty to the imprisoned Spanish King.

Conspiracies:

In Mexico, the creoles decided the time had come for independence. It was a dangerous business, however. There might have been chaos in Spain, but the mother country still controlled the colonies. In 1809-1810 there were several conspiracies, most of which were found out and the conspirators harshly punished. In Querétaro, an organized conspiracy including several prominent citizens was preparing to make its move at the end of 1810. The leaders included parish priest Father Miguel Hidalgo, Royal army officer Ignacio Allende, government official Miguel Dominguez, cavalry captain Juan Aldama and others. The date of October 2 was selected for the insurrection against Spain to begin.

El Grito de Dolores:

In early September, however, the conspiracy began to unravel. The plot had been found out and one by one the conspirators were being rounded up by colonial officials. On September 15, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo heard the bad news: the jig was up and the Spanish were coming for him. On the morning of the 16th, Hidalgo took to the pulpit in the town of Dolores and made a shocking announcement: he was taking up arms against the tyrannies of the Spanish government and his parishioners were all invited to join him. This famous speech became known as "El Grito de Dolores," Or the "Cry of Dolores." Within hours Hidalgo had an army: a large, unruly, poorly armed but resolute mob.

March to Mexico City:

Hidalgo, assisted by military man Ignacio Allende, led his army towards Mexico City. Along the way theylaid siege to the town of Guanajuato and fought off the Spanish defense at the Battle of Monte de las Cruces. By November he was at the gates of the city itself, with angry army large enough to take it. Yet Hidalgo inexplicably retreated, perhaps turned aside by fears of a large Spanish army coming to reinforce the city.

Fall of Hidalgo:

In January of 1811, Hidalgo and Allende were routed at the Battle of Calderon Bridge by a much smaller but better-trained Spanish army. Forced to flee, the rebel leaders, along with some others, were soon captured. Allende and Hidalgo were both put to death in June and July of 1811. The peasant army had disbanded and it looked as if Spain had reasserted control over its unruly colony.

Mexican Independence is Won:

But such was not the case. One of Hidalgo’s captains, José María Morelos, took up the banner of independence and fought until his own capture and execution in 1815. He was in turn succeeded by his own lieutenant, Vicente Guerrero and rebel leader Guadalupe Victoria, who fought for six more years until 1821, when they reached an agreement with turncoat royal officer Agustín de Iturbide which allowed for Mexico’s definitive liberation in September of 1821.

Mexican Independence Celebrations:

September 16 is one of Mexico's most important holidays. Every year, local mayors and politicians re-enact the famous Grito de Dolores. In Mexico City, thousands congregate in the Zócalo, or main square, on the night of the 15th to hear the President ring the same bell that Hidalgo did and recite the Grito de Dolores. The crowd roars, cheers and chants, and fireworks light up the sky. On the 16th, every city and town all over Mexico celebrates with parades, dances and other civic festivals.

Most Mexicans celebrate by hanging flags all over their home and spending time with family. A feast is usually involved. If the food can be made red, white and green (like the Mexican Flag) all the better!

Mexicans that live abroad bring their celebrations with them. In US cities with large Mexican populations, such as Houston or Los Angeles, expatriate Mexicans will have parties and celebrations – you'll probably need a reservation to eat at any popular Mexican restaurant that day!

Some people mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo, or May Fifth, is Mexico's independence day. That's not correct: Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the unlikely Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

The Reef Classic in Mazatlan

The Reef Classic Mexico

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From 5 to 9 June in Mazatlan

A total of 80 American surfers will compete for a bag of 25 thousand dollars and the opportunity to be the best surfer of the beaches of Mazatlan.

Mexico, D.F. February 2013 – Reef marks global leader in surfing and lifestyle presents the Reef Classic Tour in Mexico, which will take place on the beaches of Mazatlan from 5 to 9 June.
With the Mission of supporting the Surf around the world and especially in Mexico, the Reef brand in conjunction with the Government of the State of Sinaloa, the Surfing Association of the State of Sinaloa and the Mexican Federation of Surfing presented the Reef Classic Mexico Mazatlan.

An international tournament returns to Mexico that takes place in countries in Latin America such as Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Panama and now returns to Mexico. Backed by wings, the regulatory body of the SURF in Latin America, this event has a large influx of competitors seeking to position themselves in the sports industry, since it is the springboard for many latinos to get to other international events.

Reef Classic Mexico 2013 is a tournament of surfing with more than 80 Latin American athletes with a $25,000 total bag distributed among the first places, having an exciting series of Semi final and final MAN ON MAN (only two competitors in the water).

Mexico also will be representing Team Rider Reef of Mexico formed by some of the best Riders by: Jimena Ochoa, Yuco Trujillo

MEDIA CONTACT: ENID ZÁRATE 
Phone:  63083841            
enid@marcadiablo.info 
www.Reef.com

CONTACT: LUIS ALBERTO ACOSTA
Phone:  55 5262-8403
Luis_Acosta@vfc.com
www.Reef.com                

Mazatlan Top 10 Cities of the Future

Mazatlan located within the Top Ten American cities of the future

The London Financial Times, through its FDI Intelligence magazine, places to Mazatlan in Mexico number one position and fifth in Latin America as the city with the highest median economic and profitability expectation "Cost Effectiveness "
 

Follow link for more information:

http://mazatlaninteractivo.com.mx/new/noticias/turismo/mazatlan-al-top-ten-ciudades-futuro/